Everyone has heard the term, but most probably don’t understand what it truly means. So, let me ask you, what do you think when someone says:
“I got your back.”
I will share with you what I believe it means and the 3 characteristics to help build this culture in your organization.
Just like in personal relationships, the phrase “I got your back” means you are watching out for another person’s interests and well-being. You are not nice to them one moment and then talking behind their back the next. They can safely plow ahead with the projects and issues at work knowing that someone is behind them in a supporting role.
It means:
You support that person — verbally, physically and mentally.
You stand up for that person — no matter what.
You are not alone, because hopefully the actions are reciprical.
You are there to help.
You trust that person.
The last statement is probably the most powerful: You really, really trust that person to do the right thing and do right by you. But how do you build trust in the work setting? Here are three things to consider:
- First, be a “trust ambassador” to your collegues. Are you constantly checking their work and critizing it? If you give a co-worker something to do, trust that they will do. It is alright to oversee a brand new employee but one that has been with your organization for quite a while, should be trusted to do the work.
- Second, remember trust takes time. Just like personal relationships, trust in the work environment is not built overnight. You build trust slowly and it is based on consistant, positive behavior.
- Third, catch people doing things RIGHT! Compliments increase motivation and inspires trust; criticism destroys it. Period.
Bottom line: Trust and “I got your back” go hand-in-hand —- and are 2 of the most important ingredients in Team Building!
Do you want to cultivate a trustworthy environment with your team? Look no further than Fun Team Building in Atlanta to help you with this very important process. Give owner Larry Lipman a call at 770.333.3303 to learn more about how his organization can help yours!